Common Name: |
Spike Lavender |
Botanical Name: |
Lavandula latifolia syn. L. spica |
Genus: |
Lavandula |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Native Location: |
S. Europe |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in an open, sunny position. Lavandula stoechas thrives in acid soil; L. latifolia tolerates slight acidity. Trim hedges and cut specimen plants back in spring to encourage bushiness. Dead-head and trim lightly after flowering. Lavendula lanata is very sensitive to overwatering and damp conditions. Lavenders are affected by gray mold, scab, leaf spot, and honey fungus. Plants become woody with age and are best replaced every 3-4 years. Lavandula stoechas is subject to statutory control as a weed in parts of Australia. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown on surface of soil mix in spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Seeds of L. angustifolia germinate more quickly if placed in the freezer for two hours before sowing. Cultivars do not come true from seed. |
Harvest: |
Flowers of L. angustifolia and L. x intermedia are picked as they begin to open and used fresh, distilled for oil, or (L. angustifolia only) dried for use in infusions, spirits, and tinctures. Flower heads and flowers of other lavenders are gathered as they open, for drying. |
Height: |
1m (3ft) |
Width: |
1.2m (4ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z7 |
Parts Used: |
Flowers, oil |
Properties: |
A bitter, decongestant herb with a camphoraceous aroma. It has analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, anti-viral, and insect-repellent effects. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Mainly externally in aromatherapy for bronchial complaints, mucus, sinusitis, muscular and rheumatic pain, stings and bits (oil). Contraindicated during pregnancy. |
Culinary Uses: |
As for L. angustifolia, but less pleasant in flavor. |
Economic Uses: |
Oil, known as "oil of aspic" is used in cheaper perfumes, soaps, disinfectants, shampoos, varnishes, and ceramic paints. |
Bibliography: |
The Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp252-3, 256 |